New Laois school gets a lift with RISE cash grant

A NEW primary school that is under construction in Laois has received a welcome lift, with a cash grant from the RISE Community Fund.

The grant has been awarded to Gaelscoil Shlí Dála, a rural school dedicated to the Irish language, for new tech equipment to support its facilities.

The funding is part of a new national programme by the RISE Community Fund to provide cash injections to schools in every county throughout 2026, supporting technology investments that enhance digital learning and maximise the benefits of high-speed broadband connectivity.

The RISE Community Fund is supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and partners involved in the delivery of the government’s National Broadband Plan, including KPMG, DreamDev Technologies, TLI Group, Entegro, Obelisk and Circet.

The grant will enable Gaelscoil Shlí Dála to move forward with a number of planned technology investments, which will significantly enhance teaching, learning and digital skills development across the school.

Príomhoide Treasa Uí Chinnéide commented: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding at such an exciting time for Gaelscoil Shlí Dála. Construction is currently underway in Ballaghmore as we expand our facilities to meet growing enrolment, with new classrooms, shared spaces and enhanced outdoor areas planned, as we prepare to reopen to mark our 20th school year.

“This grant will play an important role in supporting the technology requirements of our new school building and in helping our pupils and teachers further develop their digital skills as part of everyday learning.” 

RISE Community Fund founder David McCourt, who is NBI chairman, said in a statement: ‘When we created RISE, it was with a clear purpose - to ensure that rural communities could fully benefit from the transformative power of connectivity.

‘As the National Broadband Plan progresses towards completion, it’s vital that our schools are equipped not just with access to broadband but with the technology that allows them to use it effectively.

‘Due to the successful philosophy installed by Gaelscoil Shlí Dála, which is supported by digitally equipped classrooms, they’re seeing increased demand for places. We are proud to support their ambition and to back schools like this in every county across Ireland.'

The RISE fund has given around 200 cash grants nationwide to rural schools, community groups, farms, small businesses and social enterprises seeking to use technology to scale the positive impact of their work.

Through its 2026 national schools programme, the fund aims to ensure that children in rural Ireland can fully benefit from digital connectivity and develop the skills needed to thrive in a modern, technology-driven world.

NBI is encouraging residents across Laois to visit nbi.ie and check their Eircode, to see if they are ready to connect and to find out more about placing an order. Further information is available at www.riseglobalfoundation.com